Still, lobbyists for several auto makers said they sense a change in tone from the administration and no longer expect limits on the technology.

WSJ: Just Ahead: Cars That Tweet, Buy Tickets

Farmers was founded in L.A. and is headquartered 6 miles away from the proposed stadium site in downtown L.A. (plus an auto insurer sponsor like Farmers makes sense in car-clogged L.A.).

FORBES: Why Did Farmers Commit $700 Million To An NFL Team That Doesn't Exist?

At today's prices the panic moves on auto efficiency don't make economic sense.

FORBES: Magazine Article

He had a booming voice, a sense of style (ascots for all the big auto dinners) and an opinion about everything.

FORBES: We'll Miss You, Jerry

"It makes no sense for us to shovel more money into the problem if you have not seen an auto industry that is committed to restructuring -- restructuring that, frankly, should have been done 10 years ago, 20 years ago, 30 years ago, " he told reporters.

CNN: Obama: Days of 'pork ... as a strategy' are over